Community supports teen shooting victim & family

The 12-year-old girl shot in the chest after being caught in the crossfire on Cleveland's east side has been discharged from the hospital. Toni Landers was shot Sunday, May 28 in the area of ParkwoodMore >>

The 12-year-old girl shot in the chest after being caught in the crossfire on Cleveland's east side has been discharged from the hospital. Toni Landers was shot Sunday, May 28 in the area of ParkwoodMore >>

We're learning more about a 12-year-old girl shot and wounded Sunday evening by stray gunfire at a Cleveland east side park. The gunfire hit young Toni Landers in the chest, and she was rushed by a privateMore >>

A 12-year-old girl shot and wounded Sunday evening by stray gunfire at a Cleveland east side park is recovering.More >>

At the same park where 12-year old Toni Landers was shot the community gathered surrounding the family and offering their support of love and money.

"I can't describe in words how overwhelming it is for me," said Clarisse Lee, Toni's mom. "She's healing and she is getting stronger everyday. I'm just trying to keep her spirits up."

As she tries to lift up her child, the community does the same, assuring her this crime can happen anywhere.

Ron Jones has lived in this neighborhood his whole life says "this neighborhood is not unique to any other neighborhood. It happens in affluent neighborhoods as well."

Toni was shot in the abdomen May 26th while visiting Walter Burkes Playground. The bullet went through her rib cage piercing a lung. She nearly bleed to death. Her cousin Bonita Wright was at the park and drove her to the hospital. Bonita says she surprised herself.

"Actually, yes I never though it would be able to handle myself in that situation," said Bonita.

A situation that has changed the way Clarisse now lives.

"I'm not letting my kids go anywhere as of right now," said Clarisse.

The man police say shot at Toni Landers is Russell James. The 20-year old Cleveland Heights man is locked up in the Cuyahoga County jail. He's charged with felonious assault.